This German-influenced town on Lake Llanquihue has black sand beaches and views of Osorno Volcano. Local restaurants serve traditional Chilean-German dishes like kuchen.
Puerto Varas sits on the shore of Lake Llanquihue in southern Chile. German-style wooden houses line streets that lead down to the water, while the snow-capped Osorno Volcano rises behind the lake. You can hike through Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, watch classical concerts at Frutillar's lakeside theater, or try local German-Chilean pastries at the annual Kuchen Day festival.
German Architecture in Puerto Varas
German settlers in the 1800s used local alerce wood to build houses with steep roofs, ornate window frames, and carved wooden details that still characterize Puerto Varas today. The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church dominates the skyline with its twin wooden spires, which you can spot from almost anywhere in town. Many original colonial houses remain intact along Antonio Varas and Del Salvador streets, with their characteristic steep roofs and decorative window shutters.
Exploring Lake Llanquihue
Lake Llanquihue extends 22 kilometers from Puerto Varas's shore. From the waterfront promenade, you'll see fishing boats heading out at dawn and kayakers paddling through the clear waters. Between December and March, you can swim at the black sand beach near the town center or rent sailboats from the marina. The shoreline paths run for 8 kilometers, with benches placed at viewpoints facing Osorno, Calbuco, and Tronador volcanoes.
Activities Around Osorno Volcano
Osorno Volcano rises 2,652 meters above sea level. The ski center opens from June to September with 12 runs ranging from beginner slopes to intermediate trails. In summer, you can take marked hiking paths to several viewpoints - the most popular 4-kilometer trail starts at the base station and climbs to the first glacier view. Summit climbs require a certified guide and typically take 8 hours round trip.
Day Trips from Puerto Varas
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park lies 50 kilometers east of town. At Petrohué Falls, wooden walkways take you close to rapids rushing over black volcanic rock. The park entrance fee is 4,000 Chilean pesos. Twenty kilometers north, Frutillar's Teatro del Lago hosts classical music performances throughout January and February. The theater's glass walls face the lake, and you can attend both evening concerts and afternoon rehearsals.
Local Food Scene
Puerto Varas's bakeries make traditional German cakes and breads daily. During Kuchen Day in February, local bakers compete to create the best fruit-filled cakes. The town has five craft breweries producing German-style beers, and the weekly farmers' market sells regional specialties like murta berry jam and local honey. Many restaurants serve fresh lake trout and Pacific seafood prepared with German cooking techniques.
Getting Around Puerto Varas
Flights arrive at El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt, 20 kilometers south. Buses run every 30 minutes between Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt (45-minute journey). The town center spans just 12 blocks, making it easy to walk between main sites. Local buses connect to Frutillar hourly, and you can rent bikes from several shops along the waterfront to explore the lakeshore.
Weather and Seasons
Summer (December to February) temperatures reach 20°C, with occasional rain showers. Winter brings steady rainfall and 8°C temperatures, creating good skiing conditions on Osorno Volcano. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) temperatures range between 10-15°C with frequent weather changes. Pack rain gear regardless of season.
